# Kishu

Also known as: Kishu Ken, Kishu Inu
- **Group:** Spitz & Primitive (FCI group 5)
- **Size:** Medium
- **Origin:** Japan
- **Height:** 43–55 cm
- **Weight:** 13.5–27 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 11–13 years
- **Temperament:** Loyal, Brave, Quiet, Alert, Strong-willed
- **FCI standard:** No. 318

A quiet, mostly white Japanese hunting dog from the mountains of the Kii peninsula, the Kishu is a bold boar hunter and a devoted one-family companion.

## Overview

The Kishu is a medium-sized Japanese spitz named after the Kishu region, now Mie and Wakayama prefectures. It has been valued since ancient times for hunting boar and deer.

It was named a living national monument of Japan in 1934. Like the Shiba, it is often quiet, stalking prey silently rather than barking.

## History

Kishu dogs were bred to hunt wild boar and deer in the mountains of the Kii peninsula. A local legend tells of a wolf pup given to a kind hunter as the forebear of the breed, and many Kishu still carry the word wolf in their names.

The breed was standardised in 1934 from dogs gathered in the region. Early on most were not white, but a popular white line spread the colour until it became dominant. Today the breed is rare even in Japan, and it is still used for boar hunting more than any other native Japanese breed.

## Appearance

A well-balanced, muscular medium-sized dog with small, forward-leaning ears and slightly triangular eyes. The tail is carried curled or in a sickle shape over the back. The short, straight, harsh coat has a thick undercoat, with some fringing on the cheeks and tail.

## Temperament

Courageous, loyal and often devoted to one person in the family. Kishu can be aloof or shy with strangers and have a strong prey drive. They are intelligent but headstrong, so firm, consistent training matters. They get along with children they grew up with and with other dogs when well socialised.

## Care and exercise

Kishu need space to roam, daily brisk walks or runs and a secure fence. Mental work such as scent games, lure coursing or agility keeps them content. The stiff coat sheds dirt easily and needs only regular brushing, with extra attention during the once or twice yearly heavy moult.

## Health

Generally healthy, though data are limited. Allergies, skin problems and autoimmune conditions such as Addison's disease and hypothyroidism are seen. Eye issues include entropion and persistent pupillary membranes, and elbows are worth screening.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 4
- Exercise needs: 4
- Grooming: 2
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 3
- Barking: 2
- Good with children: 3
- Good with other dogs: 2

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/kishu
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kishu · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38342
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.